Does your mind ever feel like it just won’t switch off? Thoughts are spinning around and around inside your head like a carousel out of control. And the more you try to stop them, the faster they seem to go. All you want is some peace within. Here’s our tips to help:

1. Don’t multitask

When you’re eating, just eat. When you’re having a bath, just have a bath. One thing at a time.

Zen proverb: “When walking, walk. When eating, eat.”

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2. Slow down

Do that one task at a time, and don’t rush it. Take your time, make your actions deliberate, not rushed and random.

Gif Source: [http://giphy.com/gifs/sloth-sloths-omg-presh-bby-o8HNyxjE3JmzC]

3. Do less

If you do less, you can do those things more slowly, more completely and with more concentration. It’s a matter of figuring out what’s important, and letting go of what’s not.

Gif source: [http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/timothy-goodman-jessica-walsh-12-kinds-of-kindness-150116]

4. Give yourself 5 minutes to do nothing

Noooothing. Just chill. On your own, simply sit and become aware of your own thoughts. Focus on breathing, notice the world around you. You can do this anywhere – in your bedroom, in a park, even at lunch time wherever you are.

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5. Focus on the moment

Bring yourself back to what you’re doing right now. Be aware of what is around you. Take off your shoes to feel the floor beneath you, feel the chair that you are sitting on.

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6. Chores are your mind time

Find tidying your bedroom boring? Think of it differently, as a ritual to calm your mind down. Put your entire mind into whatever chore it is, concentrate, and do it slowly and completely.

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7. Spend time with a friend

Just listen, enjoy your time with that person.

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8. Eat s l o w l y and enjoy your food

Take an orange for example. Get to know that orange. Slowly. Feel the orange in your hands. When you put it in your mouth think about the texture, taste, smell, everything you’re experiencing in that moment.

9. Keep trying

Slowing down your mind is process. Lots of these steps will need to by repeated slowly a few times before you feel their benefit. It’s all good for the mind, body and soul.

Gif Source: http://www.getlinkyoutube.com/watch?v=rlKoiJu9TsQ

[http://young.scot/information/mind/6-ways-to-take-a-mind-vacation/]

Hopefully these ideas will help you slow down and find some inner peace. There are lots of things you can try, check out the links below:

The Mental Health Foundation info bit.ly/1XMACub

Young Scot fun tips bit.ly/1OuJ6Pt

Smiling Mind app bit.ly/1g0V6hK

Conscious Mind app bit.ly/1QxXIir

Calm app bit.ly/1b6soDH

If it’s still getting you down, don’t hesitate to talk to your GP or call NHS 111.

Always talk to someone about how you’re feeling, someone you trust or a helpline, such as Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, for confidential, non-judgmental emotional support. Or ChildLine 0800 1111 to get help and advice about a wide range of issues, talk to a counsellor online, send ChildLine an email or post on their message boards.

Sources:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/mindfulness.aspx
http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/10-steps-to-mindfulness/